Google reveals tech specs for Glass

New smartphones and tablets always create a stir. But let’s be honest: most of them are relatively minor updates. They don’t compare with the launch of an entirely new product category. That’s why there’s so much buzz around Google Glass. You get the sense that it might be something entirely new that changes the game. Today we have more info about Glass, after Google released the tech specs of its upcoming smartglasses.

Display, cameras, audio

The most important part of Glass is its display. Google vividly describes the tiny high-res screen as “the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away.” Fair enough.

In the camera department, Glass shoots 5-megapixel stills and 720p videos. Hardly mind-blowing numbers, but it’s always possible Google is using some advanced sensors that transcend its resolution.

Memory, battery, and ... nosepads!

In the storage department, Glass has 16 GB of flash memory, 12 GB of which is usable. You can also sync up with Google cloud storage.

Google estimates a full day’s use out of the battery. It adds, though, that anything involving video recording will drain it faster. No surprise there. When it does come time to charge, Google has its own microUSB cable that will be included.

You were wondering about nosepads, weren't you? Well, you’re in luck: Glass has them. In fact, Google says Glass will fit anyone’s face, and includes some spare nosepads in two sizes to make sure.

GPS, cellular, Companion app

You’ll also need a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to use Glass (that’s where its cellular connection comes from). Google just released a MyGlass companion app for Android that enables GPS and text messaging. The MyGlass app requires Android 4.0.3 or higher.

Unless you’re one of the lucky few that snagged a pair through Google’s Explorer program, you’ll have to wait until later this year. If Glass is a must-have for you, then you might also want to start setting aside some funds as there’s a good chance that each pair will retail for more than US$1,000.

More / less people would buy this if they could go and see how it feels and how effective the screen is.

Mark Penver

Useful information ... but, as a normal, frequently driving, 'vari-focal, spectacles wearing', 75 year old - do I detect that these Google Glass devices are not targeted at me?

Quite apart from the probability that they will be banned from use whilst driving - anyway ?

millgate

I believe this will revolutionize personal computing the same way that Segway revolutionized personal transport.

Bruce H. Anderson

So now it has onboard storage? And why did you use the plural of "camera" when speaking of Glass?

Matthew Harden

glasses
why don;t they talk about how someone who already has glasses, will use them?
oh here it is/was
===
Google Glass may not support prescription lenses at launch

11th March, 2013

@#$@#$
==
ok then forget you too

wle

The real problem with the concept is the need to look up-and-to-the-right to view the HUD, meaning you will a) look rude or like an idiot if you are talking to another person or b) get distracted from what you are doing which could be dangerous if that happens to be driving.

This could become the next Segway - where the literati are all agog but in the real world it becomes a bit of a joke.

f8lee

I object to the snarky Segway comments. The Segway was killed by too much government regulation (and indecision). The explanation why so many lightweight motor vehicle concepts are three-wheeled (to escape automobile regulations); ditto the 49cc/50cc scooter/cycle nonsense.

The Segway has had/has copycat knockoffs. A Segway design could climb stairs for the infirm and handicapped. It is out of my price range but mass production economies of scale were killed by govt. regs.

One of the many reasons why we as a nation are foundering - even when "we" come up with good ideas, only the biggest can get them past regulatory roadblocks.

B Gold

@f8lee since when have you driven a car and stared at the road 100 percent of the time? A quick look to the upper left won't be dangerous, provided you do it at not-idiotic times. Plus, it's good that you have to look away from the person you're speaking to to activate the HUD because if not then you wouldn't know if someone is really listening to you or just browsing porn.

Artem Down

Memo to Sergei:
There are over half a billion websites and every last one of them is covered with link buttons that the user must click on in order to navigate. Must Glass users call out: "Glass: click on the Buy Now button" in order to make their purchase? Failure to provide an adequate web-browsing experience will render this silly over-use of technology a Segway in spades.

Everywhere, smartphone users are choosing to type text messages to people rather than talk directly with them on the same device ... doesn't than mean something? Are all these people who love texting and tweeting for its privacy now going to start sending their tweets by talking to Glass? Not likely!

Frank MacAulay

Woa...wonderful!!!

Thái Mèo

I think I wait for the price to drop down to US$50 and they are integrated in contact lenses. ;-)

Bastiaan van Oossanen

Yeah, great stuff, but could I just have some decent UK G3 coverage so my iPhone works properly first, please? This gizmo will annoy big time as the pages freeze and the audio stutters.

There are not enough cell towers in the countryside and in the cities the exponential data traffic increase is leaving the phone companies struggling to keep up.

Note to all developers: try out your invention in the real world (outside California) before you expect it to be bought by users.